If it weren't for snow here in the winter and we weren't forced into AWD with the Canadian packaging, it would've been FWD for us. Sure it will obviously help in the snow, but it is by no means absolutely necessary. Basic AWD (i.e. non torque-vectoring) will absolutely help get you going in any reduced traction situation but it does nothing for cornering or stopping ability. Proper tires make a much more significant difference there.
If you're in a climate that doesn't get snow, you will only reap the benefits of AWD if you regularly take yourself off of maintained roads. Loose gravel, dirt, sand, wet / hilly grass, etc. If you don't expose yourself to these situations you may better off treating yourself to an extra option package or trim upgrade in lieu of the AWD. Or maybe some accessories, or simply saving your pennies.
As much as there are benefits to AWD, there are benefits to FWD as well.
- Lower up front cost True
- Lower fuel consumption. Even if marginal it's something. Yep The car is 99% FWD unless it senses slip Which is a lot more often than you think. I learned that when I had my AWD go out due to a flooded diff.
It does a LOT! This is hidden for you guys by the TC logic that hides it by dialing things back for you so you never have a clue., but the car is always working to pull the extra rolling resistance caused by having the AWD hardware onboard. Like what? An extra 50-100# That's not extra rolling resistance.
- Lower maintenance costs (no transfer case / diff fluids to change) True. Pretty cheap and not required often though.
- Less stuff to potentially breakdown the road (no transfer case, drive shaft, rear diff, rear axle shafts). True. Have any broken, though, aside from environmentals like when mine flooded due to high water crossing?
- If you have mildly to moderately worn tires and get a flat that can't be repaired you don't have to replace all 4 if your tread depth differential is outside of allowable specifications, you can replace 2 instead. (lets ignore tire shaving for now, as it will only increase the cost of replacing 1 tire to meet the tread depth of the others and you will be paying over full price for a tire that will have reduce life out of the gate) I always replace all 4 at the same time, anyway. It's common sense/safety/performance. Moot point.
Downsides of not having AWD if you're not regularly exposed to reduced traction situations:
- Pretty much none in reasonable everyday driving
- There's no AWD badge on the rear
Of course, NONE of that matters if you simply want AWD. If you want it, get it, enjoy your car. Simple as that.
One valuable lesson I've learned over the years is that a car is a significant purchase. You want to make sure you're 100% happy with your decision when you take delivery, 1 year later, 6 years later (if you're a keeper). You don't want to lie to yourself / try to justify not getting something just to save a few bucks at purchase then regret it down the road. It will cost you more money if you end up selling / trading early because you didn't get that feature. Just my opinion. Hope it helps.